This kind of 'Ox-Bow Incident' mentality with respect to 'cancelling' and maligning before all evidence has been heard is something much more critical and soul-withering than any of PF's monotonous ramblings about gossip, clericalism, and rigidity (although he might listen to his own advice with respect to these. He suffers from a large dose of 'do as I say and not as I do' syndrome). Fr Rutler's sermons and writings have been a gift of intellectual richness which defies the putrid stench of what passes as 'wisdom' in the secular mob. I pray that he will find an outlet for his talents which will continue enrich. We have too few of his stature among us as clergy.

Is there any indication that he will have full faculties restored? I can understand if he goes into retirement after something like this, especially since he has reached retirement age, but, if it’s true that the allegations were unfounded, he should be able to resume writing, and celebrating Mass publicly. I know of a priest who had to fight for 4 years, raising and spending around $400k to clear his name, who was finally restored by his diocese. The restoration didn’t take place until about 3 years after the civil authorities had cleared him. This is how good priests are victims of the decades of negligence and enablement by bad bishops.